A farnesoid X receptor polymorphism predisposes to spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

BackgroundIn mice, the farnesoid X receptor is involved in bacterial translocation, which can result in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in patients with cirrhosis. We investigated if polymorphisms in the farnesoid X receptor gene influence the risk for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.MethodsLaboratory and clinical data of 293 cirrhotic patients with ascites and 226 healthy controls were prospectively collected. The rs56163822, rs11110390 and rs12313471 polymorphisms of the farnesoid X receptor were determined.Results115 (39%) patients had spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Distribution of all farnesoid X receptor genotypes matched the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis had a higher frequency of the rs56163822 GT genotype (7.0%) than patients without (1.7%, OR = 4.4, p = 0.02). This genotype was confirmed as predictor of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis by binary logistic regression analysis (OR = 6.8, p = 0.018).ConclusionThe farnesoid X receptor rs56163822 GT genotype increases the risk for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients with ascites.